Budds Creek: Laurie Cannister post race story

BUDDS CREEK, Md.-There doesn't seem to be anyone capable of stopping
Laurie Cannister's drive to the Pro Outlaw championship in only her second
year on the IHRA tour. At least that's been the case since her first round
loss at Norwalk. Although...

BUDDS CREEK, Md.-There doesn't seem to be anyone capable of stopping
Laurie Cannister's drive to the Pro Outlaw championship in only her second
year on the IHRA tour. At least that's been the case since her first round
loss at Norwalk. Although many have conceded that the Pro Outlaw title is
hers to lose, she is quick to point out that the title is very much up for
grabs.

"This title is far from being over," explained Cannister. "Nothing is over
until you wipe out all of the scenarios. I know Larry Snyder has taught
Mick very well not to give up. I don't expect him to. That's why I'm
digging in and preparing myself for a heck of a fight. I know it may not
be ladylike to fight, but this is one fight I'm going to engage in."
The 38-year-old SmithKline Beecham executive from Clinton, Pa., dominated
her division again in equaling her Rookie of the Year total by winning for
the fourth time Saturday during the ExpressAutoparts.com President Cup
Nationals.

Cannister came into the weekend with a 48-point lead over Mick Snyder, and
the victory puts her in position to possibly clinch her first season
championship when the IHRA tour next visits Red River Raceway in
Shreveport, La., on Oct. 12-14, for the Mopar Parts World Finals.

Cannister put an exclamation point to Saturday's performance by shattering
her own world elapsed-time record with her pass of 6.035 seconds in the
opening round of eliminations against Scott Ray, bettering the 6.038 she
produced in the final round of the CARQUEST Northern Nationals in Stanton,
Mich., on Aug. 6.

Her victory against Michael Barclay was just as impressive as the one
against Ray. Cannister piloted her Nicorette/Nicoderm CQ Mopar Parts
dragster down the Maryland International Raceway quarter-mile in 6.080
seconds at 219.36 mph to easily dispose of Barclay, who was timed in
6.350/220.40. He never had a chance as Cannister bolted off the starting
line .440 seconds to his .481.

Her big matchup came in the semifinals against Snyder, who was hoping to
nibble into Cannister's point lead. But Cannister showed she doesn't like
to lose. She drove through a big wheelie to take the win light, as her run
of 6.012/209.79 was good enough to beat Snyder's 6.125/225.00 by .032
seconds or about 11 feet.

Cannister stamped her mark on the weekend, starting with Thursday's
qualifying. She carried the dragster wheels high in the air and stopped
the clocks with a 6.130/208.05, resting atop the qualifying order. She was
even more impressive on Friday, saving her best for last with her
6.060/222.18 to remain No. 1 qualifier.

Cannister will have two weeks to prepare for her ascent to the Pro Outlaw
throne at the Mopar Parts World Finals. If she should falter, Cannister
will have to wait until Nov. 5-6 for her coronation at the rain
rescheduled CARQUEST Autumn Nationals in Rockingham, N.C.